emirates7 - A rare mummified falcon from ancient Egypt, dating back approximately 2,600 years, will be available for sale this week at Abu Dhabi Art, with a price tag of Dh329,324 ($89,660).
The falcon, preserved in its original wooden sarcophagus shaped like the bird itself, comes from a private Austrian collector who acquired it after it was exhibited in France during the 1980s. The coffin is 55cm long, containing a linen-wrapped mummy with a painted head in beige and black. This piece is particularly rare because it includes both the intact mummy and the sarcophagus, unlike most artifacts where either the mummy or the sarcophagus is missing.
Hugo Wetscherek, the owner of Antiquariat Inlibris, which is managing the sale, explained that the mummified falcon, named The God of the Pharaoh, is unique. X-ray scans reveal that the falcon's skeleton is intact, with its wings folded similarly to human mummies. The right wing is broken, suggesting the falcon was likely intended as a sacrificial offering. The artifact dates back to Egypt's 26th Dynasty (6th-7th century BC).
The sarcophagus lid is carved to resemble the falcon-headed god Horus, representing healing, protection, and the sun. Wetscherek described the artifact as "one of a kind," with its value expected to grow over time due to its rarity. "Rare items increase in value," he said, noting that it may be decades before another such falcon mummy becomes available.
Inlibris, in addition to handling rare and antique book sales, participates in global exhibitions. Abu Dhabi Art, which is held annually under the patronage of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, will take place this year from November 20 to 24 at Manarat Al Saadiyat, bringing together artists from around the world.
The falcon, preserved in its original wooden sarcophagus shaped like the bird itself, comes from a private Austrian collector who acquired it after it was exhibited in France during the 1980s. The coffin is 55cm long, containing a linen-wrapped mummy with a painted head in beige and black. This piece is particularly rare because it includes both the intact mummy and the sarcophagus, unlike most artifacts where either the mummy or the sarcophagus is missing.
Hugo Wetscherek, the owner of Antiquariat Inlibris, which is managing the sale, explained that the mummified falcon, named The God of the Pharaoh, is unique. X-ray scans reveal that the falcon's skeleton is intact, with its wings folded similarly to human mummies. The right wing is broken, suggesting the falcon was likely intended as a sacrificial offering. The artifact dates back to Egypt's 26th Dynasty (6th-7th century BC).
The sarcophagus lid is carved to resemble the falcon-headed god Horus, representing healing, protection, and the sun. Wetscherek described the artifact as "one of a kind," with its value expected to grow over time due to its rarity. "Rare items increase in value," he said, noting that it may be decades before another such falcon mummy becomes available.
Inlibris, in addition to handling rare and antique book sales, participates in global exhibitions. Abu Dhabi Art, which is held annually under the patronage of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, will take place this year from November 20 to 24 at Manarat Al Saadiyat, bringing together artists from around the world.